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4 Tips for Relationships in Recovery

Written by St. Christopher's

Most people are told to wait a year before entering a relationship and there are plenty of reasons to support this advice. Some people seek relationships to feel complete or to fill the void addiction left behind. This behavior can create unhealthy patterns. Once you’ve taken time to focus on your recovery, speak to your support system to learn if it’s time to begin a romantic relationship.

If the time is right for you to welcome a special someone into your life, follow these four tips for a healthy start.

Successful relationships take work. Relationships require honesty, commitment, and patience. Most healthy relationships work out because both individuals have committed to doing everything possible to make it work despite challenges or barriers.

Set healthy boundaries. Most of us have learned how to set boundaries in recovery. Before recovery, we weren’t sure what boundaries even were. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share with your partner what your boundaries are. For example, if you and your partner are both in recovery don’t try to control or dictate your partner’s recovery program. Each individual should stay focused on their own recovery journey.

Communicate. Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Speaking up, listening, and staying open-minded are great skills to practice during a relationship. If you get into an argument, wait until you and your partner have calmed down in order to communicate effectively.

Stay focused on your recovery. This is the most important tip. Some people enter relationships and they stop going to meetings, calling their sponsor, and doing all of the things that help them to stay clean and sober. Your recovery should come first no matter what. Afterall, that which you place ahead of your recovery you will lose if you return to active addiction.

Healthy relationships are hard work. But as long as you are keeping recovery as your main priority, you should be able to go through all the ups and downs of a relationship without picking up drugs or alcohol.

Know someone who can benefit from one of our programs? Contact us today to discuss how we can help them.